The UN Human Rights Council concluded its 61st regular session after adopting 38 resolutions, including the extension of 19 country-specific and thematic mandates. The session ran from 23 February to 31 March 2026, with the closing press release issued on 2 April. Key outcomes included:

• Syria: The Council extended the mandate of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria for one more year, with a focus on accountability, transitional justice, and human rights capacity-building.
• Ukraine: The mandate of the commission investigating human rights violations in Ukraine was extended for another year, though 24 of 49 participating countries did not support the resolution. Burundi, China, Cuba, and Ethiopia voted against it, while 18 others — including Brazil, Egypt, India, Qatar, and South Africa; abstained.
• Belarus: The EU-led resolution on Belarus was adopted with a record level of support, extending the mandates of both the Group of Independent Experts and the Special Rapporteur. Their reports have documented widespread violations including arbitrary arrests, inhumane detention, enforced disappearances, and transnational repression.
• North Korea: A joint EU-Australia resolution renewed the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the DPRK, citing systematic violations that may amount to crimes against humanity.
• Freedom of Religion: The Council adopted an EU-led resolution on Freedom of Religion or Belief, condemning all forms of religiously motivated discrimination and intolerance, online and offline.
• Children in Conflict: A resolution on the Rights of the Child highlighted that 473 million children are directly affected by armed conflict globally, with grave violations reaching unprecedented levels.

Source: OHCHR Press Release / EU External Action Service (EEAS), 2 April 2026